** Still here in verse 13, why should we direct our thanks
to God for each other? What has He done for us according to the apostle
Paul?

God has chosen you...for salvation This is possibly the
single most definitive verse in Scripture for the case of the Doctrine
of Election. cf. Ephesians 1:4, 2:10, 1Thessalonians 5:9,
Philippians 4:3, Revelation 13:8, 3:5

** What was the timing of this choosing by God?

...from the beginning... cf. 2Timothy 1:8-9

** As we look further into this verse, what two fold method does God
use to accomplish our salvation?

1. ...through sanctification by the Spirit... hagiasmos
literally means setting apart from a
sinful lifestyle unto living for God.

We saw this together in 1Thessalonians 4:7 and 5:23. cf. 1Peter 1:1-2

2. ...faith in the truth. Clearly, Paul is saying
that Christians are to live Having Faith in the Truth
as opposed to those we saw last week who spend their lives Rejecting
the Truth.
cf. V.10, 12

** Some have suggested that what Paul has in mind with this two fold
approach to our salvation is, Gods part and mans part.
God, on His part sanctified us for salvation; while we, on our part, placed
our faith in
the truth. On the surface that is true, but from where did we get the
faith to believe the truth?

That was a gift from God, so that our entire salvation is totally
of Him and for His glory.
cf. Ephesians 2:8, Philippians 1:29 and 2Peter 1:1

** If we are those, who by Gods sovereign choice, live by Having
Faith in the Truth; what impact should that reality have upon
our confidence to live for Christ in the face of persecution?

We should overwhelmingly conquer our foes. All see - Romans
8:31-39

V.14 ** Back in our passage for today, according to verse 14,
why did our gracious God call us into His
kingdom?

...that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What an amazing concept!

cf. John 17:5 - Christ as God
John 17:17 - sanctify them in truth
John 17:20 - for those also who believe
John 17:22 - Glory...I have given to them